Shelf attachment for tables



Oct. 24, 1950 w. ALFRED 2,526,793

SHELF ATTACHMENT FOR TABLES Filed June 16, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 EFT 5 24. L

law/am W 4/1990 IN V EN TOR.

A 7" TO/PNE Oct. 24, 1950 1.. w. ALFRED 2,526,793

SHELF ATTACHMENT FOR TABLES Filed June 16, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 Fig /4 /5 T TA m; 7 m 2 LEW/6066 l X Alf/e0 IN VENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Oct. 24, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

This invention relates to article retaining shelves and trays and also to an article retaining shelf for association with a table.

One of the objects of the invention is to produce an improved shelf for association with a table in such a manner that the shelf can be retracted into the table when not in use and thereby concealed from view.

A further object is to produce an improved safety retainer for maintaining an article or member on a, shelf or tray.

A still further object is to produce a safety retainer on a shelf or tray for holding a beverage glass or other article and which is readily collapsible into a recess in the surface of the shel or tray. I

Yet another object of the invention is to produce an improved foldable leg table having a top provided with slotted skirts and one or more retractile corner shelves which are so associated with the skirts that when retracted into the slot each shelf will be fully concealed and there will be presented a structure having a smooth and attractive appearance, such shelf being provided with a retainer for articles which in open position of the shelf normally extends above the shelf and/or table top, but may be adjusted to a retracted position which will permit movement of the shelf into the slot. Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the panying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of an example of a foldable leg table provided with retractile shelves embodying my invention, two of the shelves being;

extended and two being retracted;

Figure 2 is a side view of a corner of the table showing one shelf extended and another retracted; .c

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken on the line 33 of Figure 2 showing a shelf retracted with the safety retainer in inoperative position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of the'shelf showing the manner in which the safety retainer is collapsed;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 1 showing the manner of pivoting the shelf; and

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 66 of Figure 1 showing the detent holding means for the shelf.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the table disclosed and having associated therewith the improved shelf'is of the type having foldable'legs and commonly known as a card table, The table accomhas a fiat top I square as to shape and provided with a side skirt 2. This topis built on a frame structure,'as is well known, so that the top is properly supported. At the four corners of the top are the foldable legs 3 which are held in their extended or supported position by the collapsible braces 4. In the, particular table disclosed, each corner has associated therewith an improved retractile shelf generally indicated by the numeral 6. Although each corner is shown as having associated therewith a shelf, it is of course obvious that fewer shelves could be provided if desired as, for example, shelves may be provided only at two opposite corners.

In Figure 1, two of the shelves are shown in extended position and the other two shelves are shown in retracted position, in which the are concealedin the table. As best shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, each shelf comprises a shelf member 1 which has the general shape of a quadrant having a curved edge 8 and two straight edges 9 and I0, the edge 9 being formed with a semi-circular extending portion I l in which is provided a pivot hole l2. As shown in Figure 5, the pivot hole I2 receives a pivot pin 13, which is positioned beneath the table top adjacent the corner of the table. The upper end of this pivot pin is mounted in a bracket M, which may be secured by rivets l5 to the skirt 2 of the table top. The lower end of the pivot pin is mounted in a table leg bracket 16, which also may be fastened to the skirt of the table top by rivets IT. The two brackets are so spaced apart that the shelf 1 can be mounted therebetween on the pivot pin and be free to pivot on the pin. The leg bracket l6 has downwardly extending ears l9 and the foldable leg 3 is pivoted between these ears by a hinge pin 20.

The shelf member- I is of adequate thickness, but of less thickness than the width of skirt 2 associated with the top. The skirt 2 along one edge of the table is provided with a rectangular slot 2|, of a width slightly greater than the thickness .of the shelf member 1 and of a length to extend from a corner along the skirt a distance somewhat greater than the radial distance from the axis of the pivot hole of the shelf member to the curved edge 8 of the shelf member. With this slot, it is seen that the shelf member can be received therein and, as it swings on its pivot, it can move in and out of the slot. The shape of the shelf member 1 and the position of its pivotal axis is such that when the shelf is arranged to swing inwardly through the slot, the straight edge l0 can be brought into the same plane as the skirt and thus the skirt slot will be completely filled 3 and there will be no protruding portion of the shelf, thereby providing a relatively smooth appearance of the table as a whole, when the shelf is in its retracted position. When the shelf member is swung outwardly through the slot 2| in the skirt, it will assume an extended position Wherein substantially all of the shelf member will be exterior to the skirt and thus articles can be placed upon the shelf.

In order that the shelf may bemaintained in extended and retracted positions, the shelf member at the two corners formed by the curved edge 8 and the two straight edges 9 and I0, preferably carries spring pressed detents.

ber 24, and held in this protruding positionby a spring 25. Each of these detents is arranged so that the ball 23 will cooperate with a singlerecess- 26 in a block 21, attached to the skirt at the end of the slot 2| remote from the corner. The detents are both placed an equal distance from the pivotal axis of the shelf member, as isalso. the recessed block 21. When the shelf member is in retracted position (Figure 3), the detent adjacent the corner between the curved edge 8 and the straight edge ID will engage the recess 26, and when the shelf member is in extended or operative position (Figure 4), the detent adjacent the corner between the curved edge 8 and the straight edge 9 will be presented so as to be received in the recess 26. Thus, the shelf member can be yieldably held in its two positions, and at the same time be easily moved from one position to the other position.

In addition to the shelf member being pivoted for concealment purposes, the shelf member also carries a safety retainer constructed in accord ance with this invention, for preventing an article from being accidentally knocked ofi the shelf if the article should be hit or shoved from the side. As best shown in Figures? and 4, the top surface of the shelf member I is provided with a circular recess 28, extending into the shelf member substantially three-fourths of its thickness. Pivotally mounted on the wall 29 of this recess, are three members or links 30, made of resilient material such as, for example, clock spring steel or a plastic. The members 30 are equally spaced apart circumferentially and the pivot pins 3| which connect their lower ends to the recessed wall 29 are in the form of head pins extendin into the material of the shelf member. Pivotally connected to the upper ends of the members 30, by means of pins 32, is a ring or ing-like member 33, having an external diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the circular recess 28 in the shelf member. This ring may also be made of the same material as the members 30, but it may, if desired, be made of a more rigid material.

It will be noted that the members 30, in their upstanding position and with the ring 33 attached to the top thereof, will provide a retainer structure somewhat in the form of a fence associated with the circular recess 28 and extending considerably above the recess. Thus a beverage glass or other tall article, if placed in the recess, will be surrounded by the ring at a point substantially above its bottom and even though the top of the glass might be hit from the side, it will not be knocked off the shelf since the ring will prevent the same.

It is of course necessar that with the safety retainer associated with the shelf member, provision must be made so that it will not prevent the- As best-shown in- -Figure 6, each of these detents comprises a ball 23 partially extending from the end of acasing mem 4 shelf member from being retracted into the table beneath the table top. This can be readily accomplished by collapsing the retainer into recess 28, which is possible due to the resilient material employed for the members 30. The resiliency of these members will permit the members to be bent into a curved shape, that is, bowed, so they can lie alongside the curved wall 29 and within the recess. To collapse the retainer, it .is only necessary to grasp the ring 33 and simultaneously with the application thereto of a twisting movement, also to give it a downward push towards the recess, to force the ring 33 and links 30 to a collapsed position within the recess, as in Figure 3. The pivotal mounting of the resilient members or links 30 at their bottom and the pivotal connection of ,said members at their topwith the ring 33 permits the ring to be given a rotative movement. As rotation takes place, themembers 30 will be bowed and as they swing about their fixed lower pivots 3|, the ringrwilli be moved down into the recess, moving through the intermediate dotted position illustrated in FigureA. The bending of the members 30 in such a manner that they will be curved, will allow these members to take a position lying between the ring 33i-and the side wall 29 of the recess as the ring becomes positioned in the recess. When the ring 33 and the members 30 are in the recess (Figure 3) they will all be below the top surface of the shelf member and thus there will be not interference with movement of the shelf member from its extended position to its retracted position, into the slot 2| or vice versa.

From the foregoing description, it is seen that this invention provides a retractible shelf for a table which can be completely concealed beneath the top of the table when not desired to beused as, for example, when the table is being stored with its legs folded. When it is desired to use the shelf it can be moved to its extended position very easily by swinging it on it pivot outwardly from beneath the table top. When so positioned the safety retainer can be pulled up from its collapsed position in the recess of the shelf, so as to be operable to maintain a beverage glass or any other tall article in a set position on the shelf. By the provision of this retainer means, no beverage will accidentally be spilled onto rugs or clothing, thereby causing damage or inconvenience. It will also be noted that the shelves have top surface of such a size that other articles can be placed upon them, besides a beverage glass, such as matches or small ash trays.

Whenever it is desired to put away the table for storage purposes; the retainer can be collapsed and the shelf member retracted to its concealed position beneath the top. It will not be necessary, with the improved shelf, to make any detachments in order to remove the shelf to an out of the Way position and place the table in condition for storage, as is necessary when attachable shelves are used. If it is not desired to use the shelf, it can remain in its retracted position and when in such position there will be no unsightly appearance of the table, as the edge ll] of each shelf will be flush with a skirt surface. The shelf, when it is retracted, presents no protruding portions which will interfere with the usual standing of a table on its edge for storage'purposes. Also, there will be no possibility of the shelf becoming damaged during storage, as it maybe entirely positioned beneath the table top.

It will also be evident that the shelf need not be associated-with the table, but may be utilized a different outline. Such a tray is preferably provided with a recess, to the walls of which resilient links may be pivotally attached at spaced positions, the upper ends of the links being pivotally connected to a ring or ring-like member which is adapted to encircle an article placed on the tray, in the recess, sufficiently above the top surface of the tray to prevent the article, such as a beverage glass, from being tipped over, unless the entire tray is knocked completely off a table, for instance, on which it may be placed. It will be understood, of course, that the recess which receives the ring or ring-like member, and connecting links in collapsed position, need not be circular, but may be annular, i. e. the surface on which th article is placed may be at the same level as the remainder of the surface of the tray or shelf.

Being aware of the possibility of modifications in the structure disclosed Without departing from the fundamental principles of the invention, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited in any manner, except in accordance with the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a support for an article, of a ring-like member movable between an upper position sufliciently above said support to tend to retain an article on said support, and a lower position in which said ring-like member is disposed adjacent said support; and a series of resilient links pivoted to said support and to said ring-like member, for maintaining said ring-like member in each of said positions, said resilient links being capable of being bowed by a twisting and downwardly acting force applied to said ringlike member so as to move said ring-like member downwardly to a position adjacent said support with said resilient members extending alongside said ring-like member.

2. In combination with a support provided with a recess having a wall therearound for supporting an article placed therein; a ring-like member for surrounding an article at an upper position above said recess; and resilient members pivoted to said ring-like member and to the wall of said recess for maintaining said ring-like member in said upper position and also in a lower position with said ring-like member disposed in said recess.

3. In combination with a support provided with a circular recess having an annular side wall, for supporting an article placed therein; a ring having a diameter less than said recess for surrounding an article at an upper position above said recess; and thre resilient links pivoted to said ring and to the wall of said recess, each at equally spaced points, for maintaining said ring in said upper position and also in alower position with said ring disposed in said recess, said re- "as a tray, either in the form shown or having" 6 article retainer movable between an upper position sufficiently abov said shelf to tend to retain an article in said recess, and a lower position in which said retainer is disposed within said recess; and means for maintaining said article retainer in each of said positons.

' '5. In combination with a table having a top and a shelf mounted on said table for movement with respect to said top, such movement being at least to an extended position laterally of said top and a retracted position beneath said top, and said shelf being provided with a recess for supporting an article placed therein; an article retainer movable between an upper position sufficiently above said shelf to tend to retain an article in said recess, and a lower position in which said retainer is disposed within said recess, said retainer in said upper position preventing movement of said shelf to said retracted position; and means for maintaining said article retainer in each of said positions.

6. In combination with a table having a top and a skirt provided with a slot, a shelf pivotally mounted on the table for movement into and out of the slot between concealed and extended positions, said shelf being provided with a side wall adapted to form a substantially continuous surface with the skirt with said shelf in concealed position and an arcuate rear wall, and said shelf also being provided with a, recess having a side wall extending therearound; a ring-like member for surrounding an article at an upper position above said recess, said ring-like member. in said upper position preventing movement of said shelf into said slot and to said concealed position; and resilient members pivoted to said ring-like member and to the wall of said recess for maintaining said ring-like member in said upper position and also in a lower position with said ring-like member disposed in said recess, said resilient members being capable of being bowed by a twisting and downwardly acting force applied to said ringlike member so as to move said ring-like member downwardly to a position within said recess with said resilient members extending alongside said ring-like member.

7. In combination with a table having top and a shelf mounted on said table for movement with respect to said top, such movement being at least to an extended position laterally of said top and a retracted position beneath said top, and said shelf being provided with a recess having a wall therearound for supporting an article placed therein; a ring-like member for surrounding an article at an upper position above said recess; and resilient members pivoted to saidringlike member and t0 the wall of said recess for maintaining said ring-like member in said upper position and also in a lower position with said ring-like member disposed in said recess.

8. In combination with a table having a top and a skirt provided with a slot, a shelf mounted silient links being capable of being bowed by a twisting and downwardly acting force applied to said ring so as to move said ring downwardly to a position Within said recess with said links extending alongside said ring.

4. In combination with a table having a top and a skirt provided with a slot, a shelf mounted on the table for movement into and out of the slot between concealed and extended positions, said shelf being provided with a side wall adapted to form a substantially continuous surface with the skirt when said shelf is in concealed position, and said shelf also being provided with a recess having a side wall extending therearound; an

on the table for movement into and out of the slot between concealed and extended positions, said shelf being provided with a side wall adapted to form a substantially continuous surface with the skirt when said shelf is in concealed position, and said shelf also being provided with a circular recess having an annular wall extending therearound; a ring having a diameter less than the diameter of the recess for surrounding an article atan upper position above said recess; and three resilient links pivoted to said ring and to the wall of said recess, each at equally spaced points, for maintaining said ring in said upper position and also in a lower posi- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of recordrin the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 61,084- Y Millar Jan. 8; 1867 a 399,870 Gaskill 1 Mar 19, 1889 tion witn said ringdisposedin said recess, said. resilient links being capable of being, bowed by a twisting and downwardly acting force applied Number .Name M Date Presnell Nov.-,27, 1894 Doubler Oct., 2, 1900 Bricker Sept. 22, 1908 Combes June 2, 1914 Thueringer June 25, 1918 Greenwald et a1. 1 Dec. 31, 1929 Webb Nov. .6, 1934 Brunhofi Marni), 1935 M11161 Apr. 9,- 1935 Eller Feb. 18, 1936 Blaschke Oct 3, 1939 Alexander Jan. 2, 1940 Kolodny Oct. 16, 1945 Foulke -1 May 24, 1949 

